Responding to a status for a user based on nearby electronic devices

ABSTRACT

A method for determining a status of a user of an electronic device. The method includes a computer processor determining information associated with a first user of an electronic device. The method further includes identifying a plurality of electronic devices that are within a range of wireless communications to the electronic device. The method further includes defining an area monitored by the electronic device. The method further includes monitoring a group of the identified plurality of electronic devices that are within the defined area. The method further includes calculating a first safe-threshold value for the electronic device based on information associated with a first user of an electronic device and monitored information from the group of the identified plurality of electronic devices. The method further includes determining a status for the first user based, at least in part, on the calculated first safe-threshold value for the electronic device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of security systemsand personal safety, and more particularly to providing feedback to auser when the user exits a “safe” zone.

Technologies are available to provide location data through long-rangedata transmissions using global positioning system (GPS). Short-rangeand ultra-short-range transmissions, such as radio-frequencyidentification (RFID) and near field communications (NFC), can providelocation data and communication over limited distances. Whereas otherwireless technologies can span the distance ranges between GPS and NFCtechnologies. Wireless technologies can enable the detection,identification, location, and tracking of individuals, objects,vehicles, animals and items for many reasons. Some reasons to utilizethis technology can include personal safety, security, privateinvestigation, and inventory monitoring.

Developments in cellular and computing technology have resulted inproliferation of smart mobile electronic devices, such as smartphones,tablet computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), fitness monitors,etc. Further advances in miniaturization and materials have producedwearable devices with advanced capabilities, such as digital eyeglasses(e.g., smart glasses) and smart watches. Mobile devices contribute tothe growing network of social interactions and the connectedness ofusers. Advanced features incorporated into mobile devices includeaccelerometers, global positioning system (GPS) navigation,thermometers, altimeters, barometers, compasses, chronographs, nearfield communication (NFC), and radio-frequency identification (RFID).

As mobile devices become ubiquitous, these devices are as common to someusers as a wallet/purse or a set of keys. Some mobile devices may bespecialized for personal safety (e.g., child trackers, emergencybeacons, etc.). Users of other mobile devices can download anapplication (app) that provides personal safety capacities.

SUMMARY

According to aspects of the present invention, there is a method,computer program product, and/or system for determining a status of auser of an electronic device. The method includes one or more computerprocessors determining information associated with a first user of anelectronic device. The method further includes one or more computerprocessors identifying a plurality of electronic devices that are withina range of wireless communication to the electronic device. The methodfurther includes one or more computer processors defining an areamonitored by the electronic device. The method further includes one ormore computer processors monitoring a group of the identified pluralityof electronic devices that are within the defined area. The methodfurther includes one or more computer processors calculating a firstsafe-threshold value for the electronic device based on informationassociated with a first user of an electronic device and monitoredinformation from the group of the identified plurality of electronicdevices. The method further includes one or more computer processorsdetermining a status for the first user based, at least in part, on thecalculated first safe-threshold value for the electronic device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a distributed computing environment, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of the operational steps of a pre-analysisprogram, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of the operational steps of a devicemonitoring and response program, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of components of a computer, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention recognize that both indoors andoutdoors, individuals may be in the presence of a plurality ofelectronics devices. Some electronic devices may be mobile (e.g.,smartphones, tablet computers, personal fitness devices, personal safetydevices, child monitors, etc.) and other electronic devices may be fixed(e.g., beacons, wireless hot-spots, communication towers, transceivers,etc.). Embodiments of the present invention utilize wirelesscommunications to enable the invention; however, embodiments of thepresent invention are not restricted to electronic devices that includeGPS capabilities. Some embodiments of the present invention can utilizeGPS information. For example, if a wilderness area does not includetrail beacons, an electronic device, among a group of electronic devicesof a group of individuals, may utilize GPS mapping to determine when thegroup transit from an environment (e.g., area) to another environmentand/or activity (e.g., kayaking as opposed hiking).

Embodiments of the present invention also recognize that the range andaccuracy of position determination can vary based on the technology thatis utilized by a wirelessly communicating electronic device. The rangeof various wireless technologies is identified by standards of theInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). For example,outdoors, the maximum range of an electronic device based on IEEE802.11a is 5000 meters, and an electronic device based on IEEE 802.11gis 140 meters. In another example, indoors, the maximum range of anelectronic device based on IEEE 802.11ac is 35 meters, and a devicebased on IEEE 802.11ad is a couple of meters. The accuracy fordetermining a distance (e.g., a position) to a wirelessly communicatingelectronic device is affected by the wireless technology utilized. Forexample, Bluetooth® Low Energy may be accurate within 10 centimeters asopposed to a wireless local area network (WLAN) that may be accurate towithin 3 meters.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method that utilizes thenumerous electronic devices in and around a group of individuals thatcan communicate wirelessly, to improve the safety of one or moreindividuals of the group. The types of individuals that may be monitoredfor improved safety can include: an individual of a particular age, anindividual with physical limitations, an individual unfamiliar with thelanguage or nature of an area, or other individuals that can utilizeembodiments of the present invention. Similarly, an embodiment of thepresent invention may be utilized to monitor and/or track pets or otheranimals. Some embodiments of the present invention include understandingthe activities of an individual and the degree of familiarity (e.g.,knowledge, skill level, etc.) that the individual has of an activity. Anindividual may participate in various outdoor activities; however, theknowledge and skill utilized to ride a bicycle as opposed to climbing asheer cliff differ.

Some embodiments of the present invention eliminate a GPS requirementfor a monitored electronic device, reducing the cost and the energyconsumption of the monitored electronic device. In addition, byminimizing the reliance of absolute positioning, the monitoredelectronic device may not need to be as sophisticated as otherelectronic devices in a group. Similarly, a monitored electronic devicethat does not include a screen to display the locations of identifiedelectronic devices may be less expensive.

Embodiments of the present invention identify some or all of thenumerous electronic devices in and around a group of individuals todefine a “safe” zone for an electronic device of a monitored individual.In some embodiments of the present invention, an authentication processis utilized to identify an electronic device to a monitored electronicdevice. In other embodiments of the present invention, access to anidentified device is not needed, thereby maintaining a level of privacy.To reduce false alarms (e.g., responses), embodiments of the presentinvention utilize weighting factors associated with each identifiedelectronic device, which are applied when detecting the presence of anidentified electronic device and calculating a safe threshold for theindividual of the monitored electronic device. In some embodiments,additional weighting factors and/or constraints may be added whendefining a monitored area or calculating a safe threshold. Someadditional weighting factors and constraints may include: distance froman identified electronic device, number of identified electronic deviceswithin a proximity of a monitored electronic device, detecting externalinputs or messages (e.g., trail beacon information, weather reports,emergency signals, time of day, etc.). Other embodiments of the presentinvention reverse the roles of the electronic devices in a group. Aguide may monitor the activities (e.g., determine safe thresholds) ofmultiple individuals that were assigned to the guide as part of thedaily activities of the guide.

Embodiments of the present invention also incorporate predefinedresponses for a monitored electronic device that are associated with oneor more safe thresholds or external inputs. In some embodiments, thepredefined responses are input to a monitored electronic device via auser interface. In other embodiments, the predefined responses aredownload (e.g., wirelessly, a temporary wired connection, infraredcommunication, etc.) to the monitored electronic device from anotherelectronic device. In some embodiments of the present invention, one ormore predefined responses (e.g., actions) occur at the monitoredelectronic device. For example, a monitored electronic device may:vibrate, utilize an audio alarm, play a prerecorded message (e.g., anotification), display a text message, display a map with locations,play a text-to-speech message, etc. In other embodiments, a predefinedelectronic response may be communicated from a monitored electronicdevice to one or more of the identified electronic devices. In a furtherembodiment, additional predefined responses may be programmed into oneor more identified electronics devices that respond to a communicationfrom the monitored electronic device. For example, an identifiedelectronic device relays a message to other electronic devices when theother electronic devices come into communication range. In anotherexample, if a large group of individuals includes two or more monitoredindividuals and the monitored individuals separate when the larger groupseparates, new monitored areas are defined and new safe thresholds aredetermined.

The descriptions of the various scenarios, instances, and examplesrelated to the present invention have been presented for purposes ofillustration but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to theembodiments disclosed.

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference tothe Figures. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustratingdistributed computing environment 100 in an embodiment, in accordancewith the present invention. An embodiment of distributed computingenvironment 100 includes monitored device 102, device 115, and devices120A-120N, all interconnected over network 110. Many modifications tothe depicted environment may be made by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention as recited by the claims.

Monitored device 102, device 115, and devices 120A-120N may be laptopcomputers, tablet computers, netbook computers, personal computers (PC),desktop computers, personal digital assistants (PDA), smart phones,wearable devices (e.g., digital eyeglasses, smart glasses, smartwatches, personal fitness devices, personal safety devices), or anyprogrammable computer systems known in the art. In certain embodiments,monitored device 102, device 115, and devices 120A-120N representcomputer systems utilizing clustered computers and components (e.g.,database server computers, application server computers, etc.) that actas a single pool of seamless resources when accessed through network110, as is common in data centers and with cloud-computing applications.In general, monitored device 102, device 115, and devices 120A-120N arerepresentative of any programmable electronic device or combination ofprogrammable electronic devices capable of executing machine readableprogram instructions and communicating with users of monitored device102, device 115, and devices 120A-120N, via network 110. Monitoreddevice 102, device 115, and devices 120A-120N may include components, asdepicted and described in further detail with respect to FIG. 4, inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

Monitored device 102 includes user preferences 104, user interface (UI)122, pre-analysis program 200, device monitoring and response program300, and various programs and databases (e.g., a website interface,geo-locating software, speech recognition software, etc.) (not shown).In some embodiments, monitored device 102 includes hardware to monitorbehaviors of a user and/or alerts a user. Examples of hardware, whichmonitored device 102 may include are: one or more physiological monitors(e.g., heart rate monitor), a speaker, a camera, a buzzer,accelerometers, a thermometer, an altimeter, a barometer, and a compass.

In one embodiment, user preferences 104 includes databases, one or moreuser profiles (e.g., demographic information, emergency contactinformation, medical information, weighting values, etc.), lists of useractivities, skill levels (e.g., knowledge), pre-defined responses, logfiles of the activities of a user, and authentication information. Insome embodiments, user preferences 104 is associated with monitoreddevice 102 and one or more instances of devices 120A-120N. In anexample, user preferences 104 may include authentication information(e.g., ID, password, etc.) to communicate responses from monitoreddevice 102 and one or more instances of devices 120A-120N. In anotherexample, user preferences 104 includes authentication information formonitored device 102 that permits a user of device 115 to inputpredefined responses to monitored device 102. User preferences 104 mayinclude weighting factors that are applied to various instances ofdevices 120A-120N.

In a further embodiment, user preferences 104 may include logicaloperations and/or hierarchical organization of information (e.g.,weighting factors, predefined responses, etc.). In one scenario,weighting factors may be biased by an environmental factor (e.g.,weather). In an example, user preferences 104 may include a dictate thatduring adverse weather conditions the weighting factor for a child useris reduced to zero. In another scenario, user preferences 104 mayinclude polling rates utilized by device monitoring and response program300 that vary based on various criteria. In one example, userpreferences 104 includes a polling rate modifier of 1.0 for instances ofdevices 120A-120N associated with an adult, and a polling rate modifierof 0.5 for instances of devices 120A-120N associated with a child. Inanother example, user preferences 104 includes a polling rate that isassociated with one or more specific instances of devices 120A-120N. Forexample, monitored device 102 polls device 120A, 120C, 120E, and 120G ateven ten-minute increments of the hour (e.g., 1:00, 1:10, 1:20, etc.);device 120B, 120D, 120F, and 120H at odd ten-minute increments of thehour (e.g., 1:05, 1:15, 1:25, etc.).

Other embodiments of the present invention are related to the safety andsecurity on the information on monitored device 102 as well as a user ofmonitored device 102. In an alternate embodiment, user preferences 104includes security information and security responses related tomonitored device 102 as opposed to a user of monitored device 102. In anexample, monitored device 102 is a computing device on loan to a userfrom a library or school. In another example, monitored device 102 andone or more instances of devices 120A-120N are included in a shipment ofequipment (e.g., objects) to a tradeshow. User preferences 104 mayinclude the IDs of the one or more instances of devices 120A-120N andpredefined responses that are initiated if monitored device 102 is movedfrom the proximity of the one or more instances of devices 120A-120Nwithin the shipment. For example, user preferences 104 may transmit anelectronic warning message (e.g., notification) when monitored device102 is determined to be in an unsafe location. A secondary response maybe encrypting the information within monitored device 102 and passwordprotection for monitored device 102.

In one embodiment, monitored device 102 communicates through network 110to device 115 and devices 120A-120N. Network 110 can be, for example, alocal area network (LAN), a telecommunications network, a WLAN, such asan intranet, a wide area network (WAN), such as the Internet, or anycombination of the previous and can include wired, wireless, or fiberoptic connections. In general, network 110 can be any combination ofconnections and protocols that will support communications betweenmonitored device 102, device 115, and devices 120A-120N, in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention. In another embodiment,network 110 operates locally via wired, wireless, or optical connectionsand can be any combination of connections and protocols (e.g., personalarea network (PAN), near field communication (NFC), laser, infrared,ultrasonic, etc.).

In some embodiments, device monitoring and response program 300 utilizesnetwork 110 to determine the location of instances of devices 120A-120Nutilizing a wireless-based positioning system (WPS). The localizationtechnique used for determining the position with wireless access pointsis based on measuring the intensity of the received signal (receivedsignal strength or RSS) and the method of “fingerprinting.” Someparameters useful to geo-locate an instance of devices 120A-120N includethe service set identifier (SSID) and the media access control (MAC)address of an instance of devices 120A-120N. Another identifier that maybe utilized by an instance of devices 120A-120N is a universally uniqueidentifier (UUID). In one instance, the accuracy depends on the numberof positions that have been entered into the location database (e.g.,locations of beacons). Other systems that may be utilized to determinethe locations for devices 120A-120N are indoor positioning systems (notshown). An indoor positioning system (IPS) is a solution to locateobjects or people inside a building using radio waves, magnetic fields,acoustic signals, or other sensory information collected by device 115and devices 120A-120N.

Devices 120A-120N may include an instance of user interface (UI) 122 andvarious programs (not shown). Examples of programs that devices120A-120N include are: a web browser, an e-mail client, securitysoftware (e.g., a firewall program, a geo-locating program, anencryption program, etc.), an instant messaging (IM) application (app),and a communication (e.g., phone) application. A user of an instance ofdevices 120A-120N can interact with the respective UI 122 for theinstance of devices 120A-120N via a singular interface device, such as atouch screen (e.g., display) that performs both input to a graphicaluser interface (GUI) and as an output device (e.g., a display)presenting a plurality of icons associated with software applications orimages depicting the executing software application. Optionally, asoftware application (e.g., a web browser) can generate UI 122 operatingwithin the GUI of an instance of devices 120A-120N.

UI 122 accepts input from a plurality of input/output (I/O) devicesincluding, but not limited to, a tactile sensor interface (e.g., a touchscreen, a touchpad) or a natural user interface (e.g., voice controlunit, motion capture device, etc.). An I/O device interfacing with a UI122 may be connected to an instance of devices 120A-120N, which mayoperate utilizing wired (e.g., USB port) or wireless networkcommunications (e.g., infrared, NFC, etc.). For example, an I/O devicemay be a peripheral, such as a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, and aclick wheel, that provides input from a user. A user may utilize UI 122interface screen generated by pre-analysis program 200.

Pre-analysis program 200 utilizes information associated with a user,information related to an activity of the user, and the identities of aplurality of other devices to define an area that is monitored bymonitored device 102 of a user. In addition, pre-analysis program 200communicates the information associated with a user and an activity of auser and the identities of a plurality of other devices to devicemonitoring and response program 300. In addition, pre-analysis program200 responds to changes in the activity of a user of monitored device102.

Device monitoring and response program 300 utilizes information obtainedfrom pre-analysis program 200 to set a polling rate that monitoreddevice 102 utilizes to identify which identified electronic devices(e.g., device 115, devices 120A-120N) are within a monitored areadetermined by pre-analysis program 200. Device monitoring and responseprogram 300 applies one or more weighting factors to the identifiedelectronic devices within a monitored area to calculate a safe thresholdfor monitored device 102.

Device monitoring and response program 300 also utilizes the safethreshold calculated for monitored device 102 to determine which, ifany, predefined responses within user preferences 104 initiate.Subsequently, device monitoring and response program 300 communicates aresponse to pre-analysis program 200. In some instances, thesafe-threshold value calculated by device monitoring and responseprogram 300 does not initiate a response (e.g., a null response.)

FIG. 2 is a flowchart depicting operational steps for pre-analysisprogram 200, a program for configuring a device of a user based oninformation associated with a user and information related to anactivity of a user. Pre-analysis program 200 identifies devices of otherusers and determines a monitored area for monitored device 102 of auser. In addition, pre-analysis program 200 may determine a reaction ofone or more devices of other users to a response of monitored device 102of a user, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

In step 202, pre-analysis program 200 determines information associatedwith the user of a device. Pre-analysis program 200 may utilizeinformation associated with a user that includes: personal information,medical information, emergency contact information, pre-definedresponses, one or more parameters defining a monitored area, etc. Inaddition, pre-analysis program 200 may utilize other informationassociated with a user that includes: a minimum number of devices withina monitored area, weighting factors for the devices and/or users, andmapping information. In an example, pre-analysis program 200 determinesthat user preferences 104 assign a weighting factor of 2.5 for device115, instances of devices 120A-120N that are associated with adult usersa weighting factor of 2.0, geo-fencing beacons a weighting factor of1.0, and child users a weighting factor of 0.5.

In one embodiment, pre-analysis program 200 utilizes information in userpreferences 104 to determine information associated with the user ofmonitored device 102. In one scenario, pre-analysis program 200determines that monitored device 102 is configured for a single user anddetermines the information associated with the user based on userpreferences 104. In another scenario, pre-analysis program 200determines that user preferences 104 of monitored device 102 containsinformation that is associated with two or more users. Pre-analysisprogram 200 activates UI 122 of monitored device 102 to obtain anindication as to which user currently utilizes monitored device 102.

In another embodiment, pre-analysis program 200 activates UI 122 toobtain information associated with a user of monitored device 102. Inone scenario, pre-analysis program 200 may obtain information associatedwith the user of monitored device 102 via UI 122 executing on monitoreddevice 102. In another scenario, pre-analysis program 200 may obtaininformation associated with the user of monitored device 102 via UI 122executing on device 115. In an example, monitored device 102 is atracking device for a child. An adult utilizes UI 122 of device 115 tocommunicate the information and user preferences to user preferences 104related to a child utilizing monitored device 102. For example,pre-analysis program 200 determines that a user preference for the childincludes multiple monitored area criteria: 15 meters for a playgroundarea, 5 meters for a nature trail, and 20 meters within a museum.

In an alternate embodiment, pre-analysis program 200 determines thatmonitored device 102 is not associated with a human user. Pre-analysisprogram 200 subsequently determines information related to monitoreddevice 102 and the operation of monitored device 102. In an example,pre-analysis program 200 determines that monitored device 102 is atablet computer that is a shareable device within a library. In anotherexample, pre-analysis program 200 determines that monitored device 102is a smart object (e.g., a powered RFID tag, a powered security device,etc.) that is included within and/or on: another computing device, atransport container, or a vehicle.

In step 204, pre-analysis program 200 determines information related toan activity of a user. In an embodiment, pre-analysis program 200activates UI 122 to obtain information related to an activity of a userof monitored device 102. In one scenario, pre-analysis program 200 mayobtain information related to an activity of a user of monitored device102 via UI 122 executing on monitored device 102. In another scenario,pre-analysis program 200 may obtain information related to an activityof a user of monitored device 102 via UI 122 executing on device 115. Insome embodiments, pre-analysis program 200 utilizes informationassociated with the user preferences that includes knowledge-basedand/or skill-based rankings for various activities. In one example,pre-analysis program 200 determines from an input itinerary for a userof monitored device 102 that the user plans to engage in hiking,kayaking, and rock-climbing. Information stored in user preferences 104indicates that the user of monitored device 102 is relatively highlyskilled at hiking and kayaking, and pre-analysis program 200 determinesthat the user of monitored device 102 has a 70 meter radius area with aminimum of two other user devices (e.g., device 120B and device 120D)within the monitored area. However, pre-analysis program 200 determinesthat the user of monitored device 102 is a novice rock climber andsubsequently constrains the monitored area for rock climbing to 10meters and a minimum of four other user devices (e.g., devices 120E,120F, 120G, and 120H) within the monitored area.

In step 206, pre-analysis program 200 identifies electronic devicescommunicating wirelessly. In one embodiment, pre-analysis program 200identifies one or more electronic devices (e.g., devices 120A-120N) ofother users that are within a wireless communication range of monitoreddevice 102. In some scenarios, pre-analysis program 200 determines agroup of identified electronic devices (e.g., devices 120C-K) that aremonitored as opposed to the plurality of electronic devices (e.g.,devices 120A-120N) detected by monitored device 102. In one scenario,pre-analysis program 200 utilizes a wireless communication program (notshown), such as a scanning program, to detect and identify anotherelectronic device and a communication method utilized by the otherelectronic device (e.g., an instance of devices 120A-120N). In oneinstance, the identity of the other electronic device may be an IDdefined by a user of the other electronic device. For example, device120D may have the ID “smartphone_948.” In another instance, the identityof the other electronic device may be related to the communicationelectronics of the other electronic device. For example, an electronicdevice may be identified by a MAC address or a UUID. In an example,pre-analysis program 200 may identify one or more electronic devices(e.g., device 120K and device 120L) that include GPS and wirelesstelephony capabilities to monitored device 102 as one category ofdevices with respect to reacting to responses from monitored device 102.In another scenario, pre-analysis program 200 may identify otherinstances of devices 120A-120N that include short-range wirelesscommunication capability (e.g., fitness monitors) as a second category,and pre-analysis program 200 may identify still other instances ofdevices 120A-120N that are beacons as in a third category.

In some embodiments, pre-analysis program 200 may initiate anauthentication protocol to obtain additional information that isincluded with identifying an instance of devices 120A-120N. In anexample, pre-analysis program 200 may identify (e.g., detect) device120K. However, prior to pre-analysis program 200 authenticating withdevice 120K, pre-analysis program 200 cannot obtain information (e.g.,skill level of a user for an activity, demographic information needed todetermine a weighting factor, capabilities for device 120K, etc.) for auser of device 120K. In another embodiment, pre-analysis program 200 mayidentify other electronic devices that are within an area dictated byone or more user preferences. In an example, device 115 is utilized by atour guide, and pre-analysis program 200 determines that devices120A-120N are instances of monitored device 102 and that device 115monitors as opposed to monitored device 102 executing the monitoringaspect of the present invention.

In a further embodiment, pre-analysis program 200 identifies one or moreelectronic devices (e.g., devices 120K-120M) that are not utilized by ahuman user. In one example, pre-analysis program 200 may identify one ormore smart objects that may wirelessly communicate. In another example,pre-analysis program 200 may identify one or more vehicles that maywirelessly communicate.

In step 208, pre-analysis program 200 defines an area that is monitoredby a monitored device. In one embodiment, pre-analysis program 200determines that the defined area that is monitored by monitored device102 is based on one or more user preferences and/or information relatedto an activity of the user. In another embodiment, pre-analysis program200 may dictate (i.e., define) an area that is monitored based on one ormore user preferences and the number of electronic devices within agroup of electronic devices (e.g., devices 120A-120N) that areidentified from a plurality of electronic devices within a proximity ofmonitored device 102.

In decision step 210, pre-analysis program 200 determines whether amonitored area is defined for a monitored device. In some embodiments,pre-analysis program 200 determines whether sufficient instances ofother electronic devices (e.g., devices 120A-120N) are present within anarea defined by one or more user preferences (e.g., user preferences104) and/or information related to an activity of a user of monitoreddevice 102 to define a monitored area for monitored device 102. In otherembodiments, pre-analysis program 200 dictates (i.e., defines) amonitored area based on one or more user preferences and the otherelectronic devices (e.g., devices 120A-120N) that are identified tomonitored device 102.

In decision step 210, responsive to determining that a monitored areacannot be defined (no branch, decision step 210), pre-analysis program200 communicates with a user (step 211).

In step 211, pre-analysis program 200 communicates with a user. In oneembodiment, pre-analysis program 200 communicates with a user ofmonitored device 102 that a monitored area was not defined based on oneor more user preferences within user preferences 104. In one scenario,pre-analysis program 200 may communicate with the user of monitoreddevice 102 that there are insufficient instances of other electronicdevices (e.g., devices 120A-120N) to define a monitored area. In anotherscenario, pre-analysis program 200 may communicate with the user ofmonitored device 102 that the number of users of the other electronicdevices (e.g., devices 120A-120N) has decreased below the number ofother electronic devices dictated to define a monitored area.

In another embodiment, pre-analysis program 200 communicates with a userof device 115 that a monitored area was not defined based on one or moreuser preferences within user preferences 104. In one scenario,pre-analysis program 200 may communicate with the user of device 115that insufficient instances of electronic devices (e.g., devices120A-120N) wirelessly communicate with monitored device 102 to define amonitored area. In another scenario, pre-analysis program 200 maycommunicate with the user of device 115 that the number of electronicdevices (e.g., devices 120A-120N) within an identified group ofwirelessly communicating electronic devices has decreased below thenumber of electronic devices dictated to define a monitored area. In anexample, pre-analysis program 200 determines that sufficient individualsthat include identified electronic devices have split from the main tourgroup to maintain a defined area of a twenty meter radius. However,pre-analysis program 200 may inform the user of device 115 thatsufficient electronic devices exist to define a ten meter radiusmonitored area for monitored device 102. Subsequently, another instanceof pre-analysis program 200 may execute after a user preference 104 isupdated defining a monitored area of a ten meter radius for monitoreddevice 102.

Referring to decision step 210, responsive to determining that amonitored area is defined (yes branch, decision step 210), pre-analysisprogram 200 communicates with device monitoring and response program 300(step 212).

In step 212, pre-analysis program 200 communicates with devicemonitoring and response program 300. In one embodiment, pre-analysisprogram 200 communicates information associated with monitored device102 and a user of monitored device 102 (e.g., user preferences 104) todevice monitoring and response program 300. The communicated informationmay include: information of a user, information of monitored device 102,an activity of a user, information of a monitored area, one or more userpreferences, and information of one or more instances of devices120A-120N within a monitored area. In another embodiment, pre-analysisprogram 200 receives communications from device monitoring and responseprogram 300, which may include one or more responses initiated bymonitored device 102, information associated with monitored device 102,information associated with the area monitored by monitored device 102,and one or more responses that may be initiated by device 115 anddevices 120A-120N.

In step 214, pre-analysis program 200 optionally determines a reactionof another electronic device to a determined response for a monitoreddevice. In one embodiment, pre-analysis program 200 may determine thatone or more instances of an electronic device (e.g., devices 120A-120N)reacts to a response of monitored device 102. In an example,pre-analysis program 200 detects a message and/or notification (e.g.,text, voice, graphical, etc.) that is sent to a user of monitored device102 from device 120G. In another example, pre-analysis program 200determines that a predefined action (e.g., a device vibrates, produces atone, displays a message) occurs on one or more instances of devices120A-120N. In another embodiment, pre-analysis program 200 may determinethat a user of device 115 reacts to a response of monitored device 102.In an example, pre-analysis program 200 determines that a user of device115 transmits a map to monitored device 102. In addition to the map,pre-analysis program 200 may determine that the user of device 115deploys a personal tracking drone with a beacon that identifies alocation on the transmitted map.

In decision step 216, pre-analysis program 200 determines whether theactivity of a user changes. In one embodiment, pre-analysis program 200utilizes one or more inputs to UI 122 to determine that a change occursto an activity for a user of monitored device 102. In anotherembodiment, pre-analysis program 200 utilizes one or more inputsexternal to the user of monitored device 102 to determine that a changeoccurs to an activity for the user of monitored device 102. In onescenario, pre-analysis program 200 may receive input from anotherinstance of UI 122 executing on one or more other devices (e.g., device115, devices 120A-120N). In an example, pre-analysis program 200receives an input indicating a change in activity for a child utilizingmonitored device 102 from a parent utilizing UI 122 on device 115. Inanother scenario, pre-analysis program 200 may receive input from abeacon that a user of monitored device 102 transitions from one area(e.g., zone, building, vehicle) to a different area. For example,pre-analysis program 200 determines that a change in activity occurswhen a user of monitored device 102 transitions from a ski slope of onedifficulty to a ski slope of a different difficulty.

In a further embodiment, pre-analysis program 200 may determine that achange in an activity of a user occurs when a change occurs to theenvironment of the activity of the user of monitored device 102. In ascenario, pre-analysis program 200 determines that a user preferencerelates to weather condition. When monitored device 102 detects a changein the weather and/or receives a weather alert, pre-analysis program 200determines that a change occurs in the activity of a user of monitoreddevice 102. In an example, pre-analysis program 200 determines that asevere storm warning is issued and responds to the change in theweather. In another scenario, pre-analysis program 200 determines that achange to an activity occurs based on received input. In an example,pre-analysis program 200 determines that a change in activity occursbased on a broadcast message, for example, “The museum is closing in 15minutes.”

In decision step 216, responsive to determining that a user of monitoreddevice 102 does not change an activity (no branch, decision step 216),pre-analysis program 200 loops to determine an area that is monitored bymonitored device 102 (step 208). In one embodiment, pre-analysis program200 may utilize communicated information (step 212) related to one ormore responses determined by device monitoring and response program 300that affects the monitored area. In an example, pre-analysis program 200received an indication that a user of monitored device 102 is not withina safe threshold based on one or more users of instances of devices120A-120N are not active, reducing the number of instances of devices120A-120N below the minimum value dictated for a previously determinedmonitored area. In another embodiment, pre-analysis program 200 maydetermine that a reaction by one or more users of instances of devices120A-120N to the determined response (step 214) affects the monitored(e.g., defined) area of monitored device 102.

Referring to decision step 216, responsive to determining that a user ofmonitored device 102 changes an activity (yes branch, decision step216), pre-analysis program 200 loops to determine information related tothe changed activity (step 204).

FIG. 3 is a flowchart depicting operational steps for device monitoringand response program 300, a program for determining whether a monitoreddevice of a user is within a safe zone based on calculating a safethreshold for the user and initiating one or more predefined responseswhen a safe threshold for the user is not met.

In step 302, device monitoring and response program 300 receives userand electronic device information from pre-analysis program 200. In oneembodiment, device monitoring and response program 300 receivesinformation associated with monitored device 102 and a user of monitoreddevice 102. Information associated with the user of monitored device 102may include information from user preferences 104, manually inputinformation input from UI 122, information input to another device(e.g., device 115), information related to an activity of a user, andpredefined responses. Information associated with monitored device 102may include: specifications and/or capabilities of monitored device 102,a group of electronic devices (e.g., device 115, devices 120A-120N)within wireless communication range identified to monitored device 102,information associated with the users of the identified electronicdevices, and an area monitored by monitored device 102.

In another embodiment, device monitoring and response program 300queries the identified group of electronic devices (e.g., device 115,devices 120A-120N) to determine information associated with theelectronic devices and users of the electronic devices. In an example,device monitoring and response program 300 may determine thespecifications and/or capabilities (e.g., GPS mapping software, Internetconnectivity, an IM service, etc.) of the electronic devices (e.g.,device 115, devices 120A-120N) identified to monitored device 102. Insome embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., device 120E) may dictatethat device monitoring and response program 300 utilize anauthentication protocol in order to obtain the specifications and/orcapabilities of the electronic device (e.g., device 120E).

In step 304, device monitoring and response program 300 sets a pollingrate for a monitored device. Device monitoring and response program 300sets a polling rate for monitored device 102 to communicate with and/ordetect the presence of the electronic devices of a group of identifiedelectronic devices (referencing FIG. 2, step 206). In one embodiment,device monitoring and response program 300 sets a polling rate formonitored device 102 based on one or more user preferences (e.g., at thesame time). In an example, device monitoring and response program 300determines that user preferences 104 includes a criteria (e.g., a numberof electronic devices within an identified group of electronic devices)to set a polling rate. Device monitoring and response program 300determines that if a group of at least ten electronic devices (e.g.,devices 120A-120J) are present and identified to monitored device 102,then the polling rate is set to once per six minutes. However, if devicemonitoring and response program 300 determines that the group ofidentified electronic devices includes nine or less electronic devices(e.g., devices 120D-120H) are present and identified to monitored device102, then the polling rate is set to once per five minutes.

In another embodiment, device monitoring and response program 300 sets apolling rate based on a predefined response. In an example, if devicemonitoring and response program 300 determines that the weighted sum ofthe group of identified electronic devices (e.g., device 115, devices120A-120N) is equal to or less than a safe-threshold value, then devicemonitoring and response program 300 determines that a predefinedresponse for this safe-threshold value is increase the polling rate fromonce per five minutes to twice per five minutes. In some embodiments,device monitoring and response program 300 determines that userpreferences 104 includes a polling rule that is variable. For example,different instances of devices 120A-120N are polled at different timesas opposed to being polled at the same time.

In step 306, device monitoring and response program 300 determines whichelectronic devices of the group of identified devices are within an areamonitored by a monitored device. In one embodiment, device monitoringand response program 300 determines which electronic devices (e.g.,device 115, devices 120A-120N) of the identified group of electronicdevices are within an area monitored by monitored device 102(referencing FIG. 2, step 208) at a polling rate set in step 304. Inanother embodiment, device monitoring and response program 300determines that information within user preferences 104 includes a timewindow for determining whether device 115 and/or one or more instancesof devices 120A-120N are within a monitored area of monitored device102. Alternatively, device monitoring and response program 300 maydetermine that the polling results (e.g., detection, communication) areaggregated over a period of time. In an example, device monitoring andresponse program 300 polls device 115 and devices 120A-120N every tenminutes; however, device 115 and devices 120A-120N are determined to bewithin a monitored area if device 115 and/or instances devices 120A-120Nare detected within two minutes of the initiated poll. In furtherembodiment, device monitoring and response program 300 additionallydetermines a distance, relative to monitored device 102, for each of theidentified electronic devices that are within a monitored area.

In step 308, device monitoring and response program 300 calculates asafe-threshold value for a monitored device. Device monitoring andresponse program 300 calculates a safe-threshold value for a monitoreddevice based on which electronic devices of an identified group ofelectronic devices are within the monitored area. In one embodiment,device monitoring and response program 300 applies one or more weightingfactors associated with each electronic device within a group ofidentified electronic devices that is within the monitored area andcombines values to calculate a safe-threshold value. The weightingvalues utilized by device monitoring and response program 300 may bedefined within user preferences 104. In another embodiment, devicemonitoring and response program 300 may determine that a weighting valuemay be affected by one or more user preferences. In an example, theweighting factors utilized by device monitoring and response program 300may change based on an activity of a user. In another example, theweighting factors utilized by device monitoring and response program 300may change based on one or more external factors, such as the time ofday, received messages, and/or weather conditions.

In some embodiments, device monitoring and response program 300calculates a safe-threshold value for monitored device 102 utilizing asummation algorithm. In one scenario, device monitoring and responseprogram 300 applies a summation algorithm to the identified weightingfactors (e.g., 1.0, 1.5, 0.5, 0.5, and 1.0) associated with theidentified electronic devices detected (e.g., devices 120A, 120B, 120F,120G, and 120H) within the defined area monitored by monitored device102. In this instance, device monitoring and response program 300calculates a safe-threshold value of 4.5. In another scenario, devicemonitoring and response program 300 may utilize an algorithm that biasesa weighting factor based on the distance between an instance of devices120A-120N and monitored device 102. In one instance, device monitoringand response program 300 proportionally biases (e.g., another weightingfactor) a weighting factor based on the proximity of an instance ofdevices 120A-120N from the edge of the area monitored by monitoreddevice 102. For example, device 120A is assigned a weighting factor of1.0, and device 120A is detected at a distance 60% away from an edge ofthe area monitored by monitored device 102 yielding an adjustedweighting factor of 0.6. In another instance, device monitoring andresponse program 300 incrementally biases (e.g., −0.1 per 5 meters) aweighting factor. For example, when device 120G is detected 15 metersfrom monitored device 102, the effective weighting factor is 0.2 (e.g.,0.5−0.1*15/5). In other embodiments, device monitoring and responseprogram 300 may utilize combinations of algorithms and/or mathematicalmethods. In an example, device monitoring and response program 300 mayutilize a time based running average to calculate a safe threshold.Utilizing an algorithm based on a time averaged value as opposed to aninstantaneous value may compensate for users of instances of devices120A-120N moving into and out of an area monitored (e.g., defined) bymonitored device 102, and thereby reducing false alarms (e.g.,responses).

In decision step 310, device monitoring and response program 300determines whether a calculated safe-threshold value initiates aresponse. In one embodiment, device monitoring and response program 300determines that a safe-threshold value calculated for a monitored deviceis not achieved (e.g., equal to or less than a safe threshold), and aresponse is initiated (yes branch, decision step 310) based on comparingone or more safe-threshold values within user preferences 104 to asafe-threshold value calculated for a monitored area (step 308). Inanother embodiment, device monitoring and response program 300determines that a safe-threshold value calculated for a monitored deviceis not achieved, and a response is initiated (yes branch, decision step310) based on comparing one or more safe-threshold values obtained fromdevice 115 to a safe-threshold value calculated for a monitored area(step 308).

In decision step 310, responsive to a determination that asafe-threshold value initiates a response (yes branch, decision step310), device monitoring and response program 300 determines a responsebased on information associated with a user of a monitored device (step312).

In step 312, device monitoring and response program 300 determines aresponse based on information associated with a user of a monitoreddevice. In one embodiment, device monitoring and response program 300determines which one or more predefined responses are selected forinitiation by monitored device 102 based on information included in userpreferences 104. In one scenario, device monitoring and response program300 selects one or more predetermined responses based on a calculatedsafe-threshold value for a monitored area (step 308). In one instance,device monitoring and response program 300 determines which predefinedresponse is selected based on a safe-threshold value. In anotherinstance, device monitoring and response program 300 determines whichpredefined response is selected based on a logical and/or hierarchicallypairing of response/safe-threshold values. In some instances, thedetermined responses include (e.g., cumulative) previous responses of ahierarchically paired of response/safe-threshold values. In an example,device monitoring and response program 300 may determine that a firstsafe-threshold value (e.g., 5.0 or less) initiates an increased pollingrate for monitored device 102, a second safe-threshold value (e.g., 4.0or less) initiates a warning signal on monitored device 102, and a thirdsafe-threshold value (e.g., 3.0 or less) communicates a warning message(e.g., notification) to device 115. If device monitoring and responseprogram 300 calculates a safe-threshold value of 3.5 for a monitoredarea, then the predefined responses for the first and secondsafe-threshold values are selected. In other instances, devicemonitoring and response program 300 may determine that multiplepredefined responses are mutually exclusive and only one predefinedresponse is initiated.

In another embodiment, device monitoring and response program 300 mayinclude multiple criteria to determine a response for a safe-thresholdvalue. In an instance, device monitoring and response program 300includes the activity of a user, the knowledge of the user for theactivity, external inputs (e.g., beacon information), and thesafe-threshold value calculated for a monitored area to select which oneor more predefined responses are selected.

In step 314, device monitoring and response program 300 initiates adetermined response. In one embodiment, device monitoring and responseprogram 300 initiates the one or more determined responses on monitoreddevice 102.

In another embodiment, device monitoring and response program 300 maycommunicate a determined response to one or more other users (e.g.,users of devices 120A-120N). In an example, monitored device 102utilizes pre-analysis program 200 and device monitoring and responseprogram 300 to monitor a group of users (e.g., tourists) that includetwo or more instances of devices 120A-120N. Device monitoring andresponse program 300 can detect when the users of the two or moreinstances of devices 120A-120N transit from one monitored area (e.g., 25meter radius) to another monitored area (e.g., 40 meter radius) andtransmits one message to the users within the 25 meter radius area(e.g., “Look around for your companions”) and a second message to theusers within the 40 meter area (e.g., “Please return to the tourgroup”).

In step 316, device monitoring and response program 300 communicates aresponse to pre-analysis program 200. Device monitoring and responseprogram 300 communicates one or determined responses for the calculatedsafe-threshold value to pre-analysis program 200. In one embodiment, oneor more electronic devices (e.g., device 115, devices 120A-120N) mayrespond to one or more responses that occur on monitored device 102. Inan example, monitored device 102 may initiate an inaudible alarm. Device120F and device 120G may detect the inaudible alarm and communicate amessage to the respective users of device 120F and device 120G. Inanother embodiment, one or more electronic devices (e.g., device 115,devices 120A-120N) may respond to a response communicated to anelectronic device within the identified group of electronic devices. Inan example, device 120L is not within wireless communication range ofmonitored device 102; however, device 115 of the identified group ofelectronic devices is within wireless communication range of monitoreddevice 102. Device 115 may relay a response communicated by monitoreddevice 102 to device 120L. Subsequently, device 120L reacts the relayedresponse that originated from monitored device 102.

Referring to decision step 310, responsive to a determination that asafe-threshold value does not initiates a response (no branch, decisionstep 310), device monitoring and response program 300 communicates anull response to pre-analysis program 200 (step 316).

FIG. 4 depicts computer system 400, which is representative of monitoreddevice 102, device 115, and devices 120A-120N. Computer system 400 is anexample of a system that includes software and data 412. Computer system400 includes processor(s) 401, cache 403, memory 402, persistent storage405, communications unit 407, input/output (I/O) interface(s) 406, andcommunications fabric 404. Communications fabric 404 providescommunications between cache 403, memory 402, persistent storage 405,communications unit 407, and input/output (I/O) interface(s) 406.Communications fabric 404 can be implemented with any architecturedesigned for passing data and/or control information between processors(such as microprocessors, communications and network processors, etc.),system memory, peripheral devices, and any other hardware componentswithin a system. For example, communications fabric 404 can beimplemented with one or more buses or a crossbar switch.

Memory 402 and persistent storage 405 are computer readable storagemedia. In this embodiment, memory 402 includes random access memory(RAM). In general, memory 402 can include any suitable volatile ornon-volatile computer readable storage media. Cache 403 is a fast memorythat enhances the performance of processor(s) 401 by holding recentlyaccessed data, and data near recently accessed data, from memory 402.

Program instructions and data used to practice embodiments of thepresent invention may be stored in persistent storage 405 and in memory402 for execution by one or more of the respective processor(s) 401 viacache 403. In an embodiment, persistent storage 405 includes a magnetichard disk drive. Alternatively, or in addition to a magnetic hard diskdrive, persistent storage 405 can include a solid-state hard drive, asemiconductor storage device, a read-only memory (ROM), an erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM), a flash memory, or any othercomputer readable storage media that is capable of storing programinstructions or digital information.

The media used by persistent storage 405 may also be removable. Forexample, a removable hard drive may be used for persistent storage 405.Other examples include optical and magnetic disks, thumb drives, andsmart cards that are inserted into a drive for transfer onto anothercomputer readable storage medium that is also part of persistent storage405. Software and data 412 are stored in persistent storage 405 foraccess and/or execution by one or more of the respective processor(s)401 via cache 403 and one or more memories of memory 402. With respectto monitored device 102, software and data 412 includes user preferences104, UI 122, pre-analysis program 200, device monitoring and responseprogram 300, and various programs (not shown). With respect to device115 and devices 120A-120N, software and data 412 includes respectiveinstances of user interface (UI) 122 and various programs (not shown).

Communications unit 407, in these examples, provides for communicationswith other data processing systems or devices, including resources ofmonitored device 102, device 115, and devices 120A-120N. In theseexamples, communications unit 407 includes one or more network interfacecards. Communications unit 407 may provide communications through theuse of either or both physical and wireless communications links.Program instructions and data used to practice embodiments of thepresent invention may be downloaded to persistent storage 405 throughcommunications unit 407.

I/O interface(s) 406 allows for input and output of data with otherdevices that may be connected to each computer system. For example, I/Ointerface(s) 406 may provide a connection to external device(s) 408,such as a keyboard, a keypad, a touch screen, and/or some other suitableinput device. External device(s) 408 can also include portable computerreadable storage media, such as, for example, thumb drives, portableoptical or magnetic disks, and memory cards. Software and data 412 usedto practice embodiments of the present invention can be stored on suchportable computer readable storage media and can be loaded ontopersistent storage 405 via I/O interface(s) 406. I/O interface(s) 406also connect to display 409.

Display 409 provides a mechanism to display data to a user and may be,for example, a computer monitor. Display 409 can also function as atouch screen, such as the display of a tablet computer or a smartphone.

The programs described herein are identified based upon the applicationfor which they are implemented in a specific embodiment of theinvention. However, it should be appreciated that any particular programnomenclature herein is used merely for convenience, and thus theinvention should not be limited to use solely in any specificapplication identified and/or implied by such nomenclature.

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product. The computer program product may include a computerreadable storage medium (or media) having computer readable programinstructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of thepresent invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in anycombination of one or more programming languages, including an objectoriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, andconventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language or similar programming languages. The computerreadable program instructions may execute entirely on the user'scomputer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone softwarepackage, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computeror entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario,the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through anytype of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide areanetwork (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer(for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example,programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), orprogrammable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readableprogram instructions by utilizing information of the computer readableprogram instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in orderto perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present inventionhave been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intendedto be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles ofthe embodiment, the practical application or technical improvement overtechnologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinaryskill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for, determining a status of a user ofan electronic device, the method comprising: determining, by one or morecomputer processors, information associated with a first user of anelectronic device; identifying, by the one or more computer processors,a plurality of electronic devices that are within a range of wirelesscommunication to the electronic device; defining, by the one or morecomputer processors, an area monitored by the electronic device;monitoring, by the one or more computer processors, a group of theidentified plurality of electronic devices that are within the definedarea, wherein the defined area is based, at least in part, on one ormore user preferences and a value corresponding to a number ofelectronic devices within the identified plurality of electronicdevices; calculating, by the one or more computer processors, a firstsafe-threshold value for the electronic device based on informationassociated with a first user of an electronic device and monitoredinformation from the group of the identified plurality of electronicdevices; and determining, by the one or more computer processors, astatus for the first user based, at least in part, on the calculatedfirst safe-threshold value for the electronic device.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein calculating the first safe-threshold value furthercomprises: determining, by the one or more computer processors,electronic devices included in the group of the identified plurality ofelectronic devices that are within the defined area monitored by theelectronic device, wherein determining occurs periodically based, atleast in part, on a polling rate of the electronic device; determining,by the one or more computer processors, one or more weighting factorsrespectively associated with each determined electronic device of theidentified group of the identified plurality of electronic devices; andcalculating, by the one or more computer processors, the firstsafe-threshold value based on an algorithm that includes at least oneof: one or more user preferences, one or more weighting factorsrespectively associated with each determined electronic device of thegroup of the identified plurality of electronic devices, one or moreexternal inputs, an activity of the first user, information associatedwith the first user, and a degree of familiarity for the activity by thefirst user.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the status ofthe first user further comprises: determining, by the one or morecomputer processors, a second safe-threshold value for the first userbased, at least in part, on at least one of: one or more userpreferences, a number of electronic devices within the identifiedplurality of electronic devices, one or more external inputs, anactivity of the first user, information associated with the first user,and a degree of familiarity for the activity by the first user;comparing, by the one or more computer processors, the firstsafe-threshold value to the second safe-threshold value; in response todetermining that the first safe-threshold value is less than or equal tothe second safe-threshold value for the first user, determining, by theone or more computer processors, whether the status of the first user issafe; and in response to determining that the status of a user is notsafe, initiating, by the one or more computer processors, one or moreresponses of the electronic device based, at least in part, one or moreuser preferences.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the one or moreresponses include at least one of: communicating one or morenotifications to the user of the electronic device, one or more actionsof the electronic device, one or more notifications to one or more usersof the plurality of identified electronic devices, one or more actionsby one or more electronic devices of the group of the identifiedplurality of electronic devices, a change to a polling rate of theelectronic device, and one or more actions of an electronic deviceexternal to the defined area.
 5. The method of claim 3: wherein thesecond safe-threshold value includes two or more safe-threshold values;wherein each of the two or more safe-threshold values are associatedwith at least one corresponding response of the electronic device; andwherein the at least one corresponding response of the electronic deviceinitiates based on at least one of: one or more logical operations, ahierarchical organizations, and one or more user preferences.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the plurality of electronic devices includesat least one of: a computing device, a mobile device, a smartphone, abeacon, a smart object, a wireless device, and a radio-frequencyidentification device.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the user of theelectronic device includes at least one of: one or more persons, theelectronic device, one or more vehicles, one or more animals, one ormore objects that includes the electronic device, one or more computersystems that include the device.
 8. A computer program product fordetermining a status of a user of an electronic device, the computerprogram product comprising: one or more computer readable storage mediaand program instructions stored on the one or more computer readablestorage media, the program instructions readable/executable by one ormore computer processors, the program instructions comprising: programinstructions to determine information associated with a first user of anelectronic device; program instructions to identify a plurality ofelectronic devices that are within a range of wireless communications tothe electronic device; program instructions to define an area monitoredby the electronic device; program instructions to monitor a group of theidentified plurality of electronic devices that are within the definedarea, wherein the defined area is based, at least in part, on one ormore user preferences and a value corresponding to a number ofelectronic devices within the identified plurality of electronicdevices; program instructions to calculate a first safe-threshold valuefor the electronic device based on information associated with a firstuser of an electronic device and monitored information from the group ofthe identified plurality of electronic devices; and program instructionsto determine a status for the first user based, at least in part, on thecalculated first safe-threshold value for the electronic device.
 9. Thecomputer program product of claim 8, wherein calculating the firstsafe-threshold value further comprises: program instructions todetermine electronic devices included in the group of the identifiedplurality of electronic devices that are within the defined areamonitored by the electronic device, wherein determining occursperiodically based, at least in part, on a polling rate of theelectronic device; program instructions to determine one or moreweighting factors respectively associated with each determinedelectronic device of the identified group of the identified plurality ofelectronic devices; and program instructions to calculate the firstsafe-threshold value based on an algorithm that includes at least oneof: one or more user preferences, one or more weighting factorsrespectively associated with each determined electronic device of thegroup of the identified plurality of electronic devices, one or moreexternal inputs, an activity of the first user, information associatedwith the first user, and a degree of familiarity for the activity by thefirst user.
 10. The computer program product of claim 8, whereindetermining the status of the first user further comprises: programinstructions to determine a second safe-threshold value for the firstuser based, at least in part, on at least one of: one or more userpreferences, a number of electronic devices within the identifiedplurality of electronic devices, one or more external inputs, anactivity of the first user, information associated with the first user,and a degree of familiarity for the activity by the first user; programinstructions to compare the first safe-threshold value to the secondsafe-threshold value; responsive to determining that the firstsafe-threshold value is less than or equal to the second safe-thresholdvalue for the first user, program instructions to determine whether thestatus of the first user is safe; and responsive to determining that thestatus of a user is not safe, program instructions to initiate one ormore responses of the electronic device based, at least in part, one ormore user preferences.
 11. The computer program product of claim 10,wherein the one or more responses include at least one of: communicatingone or more notifications to the user of the electronic device, one ormore actions of the electronic device, one or more notifications to oneor more users of the plurality of identified electronic devices, one ormore actions by one or more electronic devices of the group of theidentified plurality of electronic devices, a change to a polling rateof the electronic device, and one or more actions of an electronicdevice external to the defined area.
 12. The computer program product ofclaim 10: wherein the second safe-threshold value includes two or moresafe-threshold values; wherein each of the two or more safe-thresholdvalues is associated with at least one corresponding response of theelectronic device; and wherein the at least one corresponding responseof the electronic device initiates based on at least one of: one or morelogical operations, a hierarchical organization, and one or more userpreferences.
 13. A computer system for determining a status of a user ofan electronic device, the computer system comprising: one or morecomputer processors; one or more computer readable storage media;program instructions stored on the computer readable storage media andexecuted by at least one of the one or more computer processors, theprogram instructions comprising: program instructions to determineinformation associated with a first user of an electronic device;program instructions to identify a plurality of electronic devices thatare within a range of wireless communications to the electronic device;program instructions to define an area monitored by the electronicdevice; program instructions to monitor a group of the identifiedplurality of electronic devices that are within the defined area,wherein the defined area is based, at least in part, on one or more userpreferences and a value corresponding to a number of electronic deviceswithin the identified plurality of electronic devices; programinstructions to calculate a first safe-threshold value for theelectronic device based on information associated with a first user ofan electronic device and monitored information from the group of theidentified plurality of electronic devices; and program instructions todetermine a status for the first user based, at least in part, on thecalculated first safe-threshold value for the electronic device.
 14. Thecomputer system of claim 13, wherein calculating the firstsafe-threshold value further comprises: program instructions todetermine electronic devices included in the group of the identifiedplurality of electronic devices that are within the defined areamonitored by the electronic device, wherein determining occursperiodically based, at least in part, on a polling rate of theelectronic device; program instructions to determine one or moreweighting factors respectively associated with each determinedelectronic device of the identified group of the identified plurality ofelectronic devices; and program instructions to calculate the firstsafe-threshold value based on an algorithm that includes at least oneof: one or more user preferences, one or more weighting factorsrespectively associated with each determined electronic device of thegroup of the identified plurality of electronic devices, one or moreexternal inputs, an activity of the first user, information associatedwith the first user, and a degree of familiarity for the activity by thefirst user.
 15. The computer system of claim 13, wherein determining thestatus of the first user further comprises: program instructions todetermine a second safe-threshold value for the first user based, atleast in part, on at least one of: one or more user preferences, anumber of electronic devices within the identified plurality ofelectronic devices, one or more external inputs, an activity of thefirst user, information associated with the first user, and a degree offamiliarity for the activity by the first user; program instructions tocompare the first safe-threshold value to the second safe-thresholdvalue; responsive to determining that the first safe-threshold value isless than or equal to the second safe-threshold value for the firstuser, program instructions to determine whether the status of the firstuser is safe; and responsive to determining that the status of a user isnot safe, program instructions to initiate one or more responses of theelectronic device based, at least in part, one or more user preferences.16. The computer system of claim 15, wherein the one or more responsesinclude at least one of: communicating one or more notifications to theuser of the electronic device, one or more actions of the electronicdevice, one or more notifications to one or more users of the pluralityof identified electronic devices, one or more actions by one or moreelectronic devices of the group of the identified plurality ofelectronic devices, a change to a polling rate of the electronic device,and one or more actions of an electronic device external to the definedarea.
 17. The computer system of claim 15: wherein the secondsafe-threshold value includes two or more safe-threshold values; whereineach of the two or more safe-threshold values is associated with atleast one corresponding response of the electronic device; and whereinthe at least one corresponding response of the electronic deviceinitiates based on at least one of: one or more logical operations, ahierarchical organization, and one or more user preferences.